So...

I'm packed. All packed. I have double and triple and quadruple checked that I have everything I need. I am so over prepared that I have been pacing around the house because I don't have anything else to do before we go...except that right before we go I'm sure I'll remember something that I've forgotten...but what?

24 HOURS

I HAVE YOUR ETICKET INFO

At this time tomorrow, we'll be sitting on a plane waiting to be launched into the air for roughly six hours. I hope to sleep on the plane. I hope you sleep on the plane. There is, however, the inevitable excitement that can sometimes keep us from relaxing into a deep slumber on a cramped, awkward airplane seat. Or maybe it's sheer discomfort, and excitement has little or nothing to do with it. Either way, try to get some shut-eye because when we land in Reikjavik it will be 6am or something, and then after a hop, skip, and a jump, we'll be off sightseeing in London whether we're well-rested or not! If you dress comfortably to sleep on the plane (note, I said comfortably, not in full PJs or grubby sweats) remember to pack something more London appropriate in your carry-on. I also suggest having eye drops, a toothbrush and/or mouthwash on hand. You'll be feeling rather grimy after a few hours in the dry, recycled,  and stale Boeing 747 air.

Consider bringing a travel book and magazine to read/swap. There will be a (short) writing assignment for the plan ride as well so make sure your journal and pen are both handy.

Vico, our Tour Director, sounds like fun. He's Italian, he lives in London, and he loves Paris. Perfect! I told him that we would be up for climbing the Eiffel tower, I hope I wasn't lying...you in?

It's almost time for "Bon Voyage, Buon Viaggio!" Are you packed?

packing and things...

After hounding each of your for your medical info and passport copies, I wouldn't be half surprised if I forgot all of MY stuff on Monday. Do I have an updated passport? Yes. Do I have pounds and euros? Yes. Have I been thinking about the details of packing off and on for a good month? Yes. Still, though, the actual departure moment comes sooner than we often expect and that can cause some last minute panicking. In an effort to avoid this, I'm packing and unpacking and repacking a few times this weekend. Excessive? Perhaps. Could I just throw things into a bag on Monday afternoon and be fine? Yeah. But there is something to be said for having what you need when you need it without all the extra junk.

Speaking of that, the forecast for London indicates few-to-no showers (though you never know) and 60 degree weather. A touch warmer for Paris (showers off and on recently, so who knows). Rome will be warmer. 70/80 degrees according to Europe's Weather Channel. Granted this is a forecast and therefore is subject to change, I just thought I'd pass it along for your packing purposes.

FIFA World Cup: Watch team USA play England tomorrow 2:30 ET so we know whether to brag or hang our heads in shame when we arrive in London!


*My London source says to dress for spring and that even though we tied England, they're still a far superior team. "Bollocks" is what I say to that!

5 DAYS 5 THINGS

We leave in five days. Five days! 5. This many: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.  As in today, tomorrow,the day after tomorrow, the next day, and then we sleep, and then we leave!

1. Remember your passport and any other important documents (and bring photocopies of these items) I will have your e-ticket info waiting for you at the airport. Remember: HUMPHREY TERMINAL! 4:30pm.
2.  Pay attention to luggage restriction while last minute packing (we tend to just grab things at the last minute sometimes... anyone? No? Just me? Yes? Well, anyway....) don't go over the 13lb carry-on limit for Iceland air. PACK LIGHT!
3. Don't forget to give me anything you might still need to give me...forms and cards and such.
4. Electronics will require a converter/adaptor make sure you have what you need and remember there are risks involved with using electronics abroad (theft, loss, and/or explosion from electrical currents).
5. Get excited! Blog about your last minute thoughts, questions, ruminations and read each others' blogs and comment. 

See you all MONDAY 4:30 PM at TERMINAL 2 (HUMPHREY)

Need to contact me? You have my e-mail and my phone number on a variety of handouts from our last meeting.

5 Things? How about 50!

1. Delightful British accents. I love them. I secretly (or not so secretly) want one...
2. The jaw-dropping, heart-stopping, breath-sucking beauty that is Paris. 
3. Sneaking some sand from the Coliseum into my pocket...again...
4. People-watching. There is nothing better than people-watching. 
5. Food. I'm not expecting gourmet for our group meals, but when we're out and about...oh yes.
6. Markets and various artisans. Not that I'll buy much everything I see, but it's fun to look.
7. Going to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Believe it or not, I didn't do this last time I was in Paris. There's a story.
8. Our dinner cruise on the Seine. What a great way to see the city. I'm hoping for some accordion music to set the mood.
9. Seeing the Sistine Chapel again. AGAIN. I feel fortunate that I will get to see this a second time. Many people never even see it once and it is remarkable. 
10. Getting to know all of you in an environment other than WHS. Funny thing about people, we're a bit different outside of school. I can bet we'll have some great stories to share!